VAT has not impacted deal flow, according to experts

Among the sectors identified as significantly affected by VAT are construction, real estate and export industries

By Bernd Debusmann Jr

Sun 11 Mar 2018 06:03 PM

The implementation of 5 percent value-added tax (VAT) in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has not impacted deal flow in the GCC, even as many companies found themselves unprepared, according to experts speaking at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) corporate finance faculty roundtable in Dubai.

According to the panellists, despite the fact that the flows of deals was not impacted there remain uncertainties regarding the items subject to the tax, as well as a “sentiment of denial” across businesses that affected their ability to be ready on time. Now, however, businesses are embracing VAT.

“We are living in a very exciting period,” said Michael Armstrong, FCA and ICAEW regional director for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA). “There is no doubt that VAT implementation will improve business conditions and create more stable economies over the long run.”

The panel noted that many businesses do not have access to consultants with VAT experience, which means that smaller businesses with no access to tax advice are struggling with the compliance processes.

The panellists added that while some businesses experienced a negative consumer reaction to the implementation of VAT, it is likely to only be a short-term effect that is negated by the positive long-term economic impact of VAT.

Among the sectors that the panellists identified as significantly affected by VAT are the construction, real estate and export industries. They noted that because of the long tenure of construction projects, businesses with existing contracts hadn’t factored in VAT when planning and found it difficult to pass the cost of the tax onto their customers.

Many panellists applauded the UAE government’s efforts to provide guidance to make the tax’s implementation process as simple as possible for stakeholders.

“As a young legislative body, it’s tough for the UAE tax authority to address all concerns raised by businesses,” Armstrong added. It has been a hasty incorporation process, but as time unfolds, VAT will create a more transparent, credible and internationally accepted economy.

“Time will tell whether this increased transparency will make the UAE more or less competitive,” he added.